Blackfriars open $10 million STEM and Year 12 learning complex
The 2021 school year at Blackfriars commenced with the opening of their $10 million STEM and Year 12 learning complex. The Aquinas Centre, which was fully-financed by the school, marks the beginning of major works as part of the school’s current Master Plan.
Designed by Adelaide architects, Swanbury Penglase, and built during 2020 by Partek Construction & Interiors, the building features science laboratories, tutorial-style ‘Think Tank’ rooms, an open-plan ‘Learning Commons’, traditional classrooms and teacher workspaces for individual and collaborative planning. All classrooms and teaching spaces are equipped for remote learning, future proofing against any potential lockdowns or changes to the way lessons are delivered.
It is the first major building development on the school’s Prospect site for some 40 years and sets a new standard for STEM teaching and learning while providing our Year 12 students with new purpose-built, tertiary-inspired communal spaces.
The centre was officially opened on 29 January by Catholic Archbishop of Adelaide, Patrick O`Regan, to mark the feast the great 13th century Dominican friar, scholar and theologian, St Thomas Aquinas. The evening prior, a Community Open Night was conducted with the opportunity for school families, old scholars and nearby residents to view the new building.
The Aquinas Centre is currently nominated for a number of architecture and construction awards. School leaders and educators wishing to visit are warmly invited to contact us to make arrangements to do so.
